Bay Crossings Bay Environment

Anchor Outs on Richardson Bay—Fair or Foul?

By Teri Shore Bluewater Network

For decades, sailors and other free spirits have set anchor in the protected waters of Richardson Bay off the Sausalito waterfront. Over the years, yachts, houseboats and other unusual craft have developed into an eclectic fleet populated by people who are clearly, and often defiantly, independent. Sadly, this stretch of Bay has also been used as dumping ground for derelict boats, barges, dry docks and other floating structures. Many of the worst navigational hazards have been removed, but today 89 various craft remain.

Of the 89 vessels, 39 are used as residences. About 20 are occupied by longstanding residents. The rest are stored recreational boats. The perennial controversy over whether these so-called anchor outs should be allowed to stay or permanently moved from the Bay is being debated once again. The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission is ready to enforce laws that require that all anchor outs be taken away because they pollute the Bay and constitute an illegal "bay fill."

The greatest environmental harm caused by the anchor outs is the unlawful dumping of contaminants, untreated sewage, called blackwater, and other pollutants into the Bay. An anchor-out resident contacted by Bluewater Network said that a sewage pumping service visits his vessel twice a month to remove blackwater. But he also admitted that not all of his neighbors are as careful.

There is also the question of dumping graywater, which is untreated water leftover from washing, cooking and other onboard activities. Such discharges are not regulated (though they should be), except on cruise ships in Alaska. As a result, many types of large commercial vessels, fishing boats and recreational craft dump large volumes of graywater in into California’s coastal waters and harbors. This dirty water certainly fouls the Bay. But anchor outs contribute a relatively small amount to this problem.

Many of the long-time residents of Richardson Bay remain committed to their life on the water. Some say they can simply not afford to move to shore. This is a valid complaint due to the Bay Area’s high rents, particularly for those with fixed or low incomes. Marinas around the Bay allow 10 percent of their berths to be occupied by live-aboards, so space is limited, and often expensive, too. Moving out the anchor outs could mean making some people homeless.

Another problem with the anchor outs is that many of the vessels are decrepit and not at all seaworthy. Often when a winter storm hits, boats break loose and are washed onto shore or into other vessels.

"I am almost guaranteed of seven boats or more that go onto the beach during the storm," said Bill Price of the Richardson Bay Regional Agency. Vessel recovery and removal is funded by state grants. Price’s agency has taken the lead in removing numerous illegal vessels from Richardson Bay, sixty last year alone. The staff also sends visiting yachts on their way to prevent new vessels from joining the illegal Richardson Bay fleet.

As a possible solution to the anchor-out dilemma, Price’s agency and BCDC are considering enacting new regulations that would set standards for anchoring in Richardson Bay, phase out permanent moorings and prevent new vessels from moving in.

"Marinas as close as Pillar Point Harbor and Monterey Bay or anywhere south of that, all have mooring regulations," said Price. "What it does is affords you the ability to control how long the boats sit there, and what sort of vessel, and the type of mooring."

Bluewater Network supports the development of mooring standards and agrees with the phase-out approach. We also have some recommendations: All longstanding resident owners of anchored out vessels must be required to prove that they contract with a pump-out service to remove blackwater, or that they properly dispose of it ashore. Second, all anchor outs should be seaworthy vessels, capable of adequate propulsion to maneuver to safety during severe weather conditions. Owners who don’t comply should be fined and their vessel removed. Finally, no new vessels should be allowed to take up permanent residence in Richardson Bay.